Purpose – This paper seeks to describe the collaborative process undertaken by seventeen
university libraries toward cost reduction and efficiencies in response to initiatives encouraged by the President of the university system.Design/methodology/approach – This paper describes the initiative and collaborative
process followed by ULAC, the University Library Advisory Council.Findings – The seventeen libraries were able to collaborate and work together in a positive and enthusiastic manner to achieve four out of six initiatives designed to improve the efficiencies of the university system libraries.Practical implications – A number of practical implications may be drawn: the intrinsic ability of libraries to collaborate and partner with one another; the desire on the part of libraries to
provide the best and most efficient services to our users; the drive to succeed in making changes in response to a larger program and need.Originality/value – This paper focuses on the specific activities sparked by the work of a university system‐wide initiative called PACE, President’s Advisory Committee on Efficiency and Effectiveness.

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